Texas search team to help after Okla. twister

Published 9:50 am, Tuesday, May 21, 2013

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Members of an elite search and rescue team from Texas have been dispatched to Oklahoma to help with recovery following a deadly tornado.

Gov. Rick Perry on Monday night announced activation of Texas Task Force 1 (one). The emergency response came after a massive twister Monday afternoon in the Moore, Okla., area left at least two dozen people dead.

The Texas rescue group includes about 70 first responders who specialize in victim extraction and medical treatment. The team also includes search and rescue dogs, hazardous material specialists and structural engineers.

Members of Texas Task Force 1 last month deployed to the town of West after a fertilizer plant explosion that's claimed 15 lives.